It occurred to me recently that, understandably, I only write about the plants I’m really into. And what that means is there are certain crops that have yet to be honoured on this page simply because they’re not to my taste. So this week’s column is about one of the ugliest vegetables I’ve ever met – in looks and taste! – which some of you may well adore … the celeriac.
Celeriac reminds me of Krang from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (that’s one for the millennials!) and I have a strong suspicion that these two little monsters taste about the same. Celeriac has been the ruiner of many a soup that I have been fed, overshadowing the taste of the other ingredients and dominating the flavour profile. Although I am not a fan myself, these vegetables are relatively straightforward to grow and garner a substantial harvest from. So if it is a taste you like, they are well worth a go.
Celeriac require a solid six months in the ground to do their growing (another reason I’m unwilling to give them a coveted spot in my vegetable patch), so sowing your seeds now will give them all of spring and summer’s optimal growing conditions to reach maturity. Sow seeds into compost-filled modular trays or small pots, and place them in a propagator, on a windowsill, or in a greenhouse – somewhere where the temperature stays above 15C. Germination is notoriously slow and can be spotty, so be patient: you should have some seedlings appear as long as your seed is no more than a few years old.
Once your seedlings have their first few sets of leaves and can withstand some handling, pot them on and keep them somewhere bright but sheltered, such as a greenhouse or cold frame, until the threat of frost has passed and they can be planted in the ground. Celeriac need room to swell, so don’t be tempted to place seedlings too close together – 30-40cm between each one is optimal – as your plants will start encroaching on each other’s space, stunting their growth.
Celeriac require consistently moist soil, so be sure to mulch the area where you are planning to put them (and the rest of your garden while you’re at it!). They prefer a spot that is sunny but they can manage a little shade, so choose somewhere that is bright enough for long enough for them to grow. As they develop, remove the outer leaves to reveal the crown, which will encourage that to grow.
Celeriac started now should be ready to harvest from October, and these plants can stay in the ground well into the colder months, their flavour becoming steadily stronger. If that sounds good to you, then be my guest. Just don’t invite me over for dinner.
.png?w=600)
